Saturday, December 7, 2013

Vintage Lens Review - AUTO EXAKTAR 135 mm F 2.8 Pentax screw mount Prime lens




So far my experience with using my vintage 50mm Pentax lens is great. I simply love the Bokeh and the dreamy look this lens brings to images. Well there are people who cringe at the fact that this lens is not as razor sharp as the Lenses of today.

I agree... completely to these people. These vintage lenses were meant not for today's DSLRs but the SLR cameras that used 35mm film. For me though I love the look these lenses bring and that too at a fraction of the cost (I am not going to make Billboard sized prints anyway)

So now I wanted a portrait lens. Again I wanted something that will let in a lot of light and the F stop should be a low number. Now I Could have gone for the "Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 (with SoftFocus)" Lens. This baby would have set me back approximately 35000 INR. I am still not ready to put in that kind of cash.



On Ebay.in I was looking for a Vintage and manual alternative. I came across a Korean made, Built like a tank, full metal construction lens, which was up for bidding. I finally won it for 2650 INR. Steal deal I would say. The only thing is it does not have Auto Focus and is a fully manual lens. As usual needed an adapter, this time for a Pentax Screw mount (popularly known as an M42 mount) to EF (Canon mount)... I got this on Ebay for only 165 INR. This puts the total cost of Lens + adapter to 2815 INR (Still less than 10% of the Canon lens)

I have received the Lens and it is in very good condition. The aperture ring works perfect and is close to silent with soft clicks. The focus ring is also very smooth. The Glass is clean with no Fungus and major scratches.

First thing I did was put an 85mm UV Filter on. I am still awaiting the arrival of the adapter, so no shots till then. Overall I am very happy with what I have got I will definitely post some shots when I receive the adapter and am able to shoot some photos.

Again I emphasize.... you do not need the most expensive gear to get magical images.

As Always, Happy Shooting!!!

Keepin' it Real,
Dee Kay Dee ;)







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